Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced a significant seasonal shift today, confirming the complete withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from the entire country on October 16. Simultaneously, the Northeast Monsoon rainfall activity has commenced over several southern states.
According to the midday bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, the weather change is driven by easterly and northeasterly winds setting in over southern peninsular India and the adjoining Bay of Bengal.
Current Conditions and Forecast for Odisha
While the southern states brace for rains, most of Odisha is expected to experience predominantly dry weather over the coming days. However, isolated weather activity is forecast for specific regions.
The IMD has issued a Yellow Warning (Be Aware) for the district of Rayagada for the next 24 hours (valid until 0830 hrs IST on October 17). The warning forecasts thunderstorms with lightning accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph at one or two places.
For the same period, light to moderate rain or thunderstorms are very likely in one or two places over the districts of Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Rayagada. The rest of the state is expected to remain dry.
Weekly Outlook
The forecast indicates a return of isolated rainfall activity later in the week:
Day 4 & 5 (Oct 19-20): Light rain may occur in coastal districts.
Day 6 & 7 (Oct 21-23): Isolated showers are expected to shift to southern interior districts like Nawarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput, Gajapati, and Kalahandi.
Temperatures across the state are expected to remain stable. On Thursday, Jharsuguda recorded the highest maximum temperature at 34.5°C, while Phulbani recorded the lowest minimum at 18.9°C. For the capital, Bhubaneswar is forecast to have a partly cloudy sky with maximum and minimum temperatures around 33°C and 23°C respectively.
There are no warnings for fishermen along the Odisha coast for the next five days.
The public is advised to stay updated on location-specific forecasts for lightning warnings.
